What's the best way to find a new doctor (gyn) for specific procedure?
April 13, 2015 7:29 PM   Subscribe

Just realized that the new(ish) healthcare regulations in the U.S. mean that Essure is totally covered by my insurance, yay! Problem:

I don't want kids and have been asking for sterilization for 17 years and no one has taken me seriously, AND, my last visit to my current gyn ended up with me arguing (while pantsless!) about the removal of my Mirena (I hate it) with my not-regular doctor, so I never ever want to go back there, or even get referrals from them.
If I start calling doctors and just outright asking about Essure, will that seem weird and like doctor-shopping or some other gynecological faux pax?
This whole thing is very insulting and infuriating, I don't want to make things any harder for myself.
I'm in the midwest, and that doesn't surprise you at all, does it?
posted by PaulaSchultz to Health & Fitness (10 answers total)
 
How close to Chicago are you? I can't be certain about Essure, but my gynecologist is wonderful. She didn't even blink when I asked about IUDs (I've never had a kid) and every experience with her office has been very positive in terms of affirming my rights over my own uterus. If your insurance is eligible in Illinois and you're able to get to Chicago, it's worth a call to her office to see.

Have you spoken with Planned Parenthood to see what their policy is? They should be able to provide it or at the very least give you good options for doctors who don't suck.
posted by phunniemee at 7:36 PM on April 13, 2015


Best answer: You can totally call around to doctors asking if they perform the procedure and what pre-requisites they have for patients, if any. You could also call your health insurance to see which of their HCPs do the procedure. Heck, you could even call the makers of Essure and see which doctors nearest you they recommend!
posted by smorgasbord at 7:38 PM on April 13, 2015


Best answer: Call your local Planned Parenthood and ask them for a referral. Chances are, they have someone who can do it or they have a clue who takes your insurance. If there's a non-religious women's health clinic nearby, they would also know.
posted by blnkfrnk at 7:39 PM on April 13, 2015


If you're in Northeast Ohio, I can make some recs, PM me!
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 8:10 PM on April 13, 2015


Best answer: I just looked up Essure to find out more about it and discovered that you can search on their website for doctors trained in the procedure. Sounds like a good place to start!
posted by metahawk at 8:13 PM on April 13, 2015 [1 favorite]


PaulaSchultz: "I'm in the midwest, and that doesn't surprise you at all, does it?"

Well, yes, because my ob/gyn is totally helpful about this sort of thing. Memail me if you're in Central IL.

Get a referral list as suggested above, and then start calling offices and explaining to the receptionist what you want. You may get transferred to a nurse to explain to the nurse. Ask to have an informational appointment (typically free) with the doctor, or to have the doctor call you. I ALWAYS have informational appointments before starting with a new ob/gyn or pediatrician, and it is not weird. I explain that I have specific concerns and have had jerk doctors in the past, and scheduling always sets me up.

The 1-800 number on the back of your insurance card may also be helpful in providing a referral list, or the provider search on your insurance website. In my experience the 1-800 number has access to more information and can help you drill down faster, but I'm sure that varies by insurer.
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 8:41 PM on April 13, 2015


No, it's fine to call around, and they do have a place on the site that has docs trained in the procedure of inserting the coils.

(I do want to mention that there's been increasing discussion online of the problems that Essure is causing for women. I myself was interested in getting it when I was in a serious relationship with my ex, who I didn't want children with, and looked into it a few years ago. I'm glad I didn't, mostly because it sounds like the pain and problems for women a few years after getting the procedure is just being looked into now. I totally loved the idea of it, but having followed #EssureProblems on Twitter and briefly looking at other articles, it's a little concerning. But I'm sure you've done the research and you know what's best for you. Good luck!)
posted by discopolo at 10:11 PM on April 13, 2015


Best answer: Reddit has a list of doctors by state and what procedures the perform, tubal, vasectomy, Essure.

Reddit Child Free List of Doctors
posted by stray thoughts at 11:10 PM on April 13, 2015 [1 favorite]


If you're near Minneapolis, Women's Health Consultants is an amazing practice which offers Essure. I can't sing their praises highly enough.
posted by padraigin at 7:18 AM on April 14, 2015


I have a friend who by-passes doctor nonsense by going to the head of whatever department at the local hospital. Department heads are generally pretty well up-to-date on the latest thinking and technologies, rather than mired in "this is the way I learned to do it in med school forty years ago". Hopefully they are covered by your insurance but sometimes it's an issue of insurance be damned, I just need to get this done right.
posted by vignettist at 10:07 AM on April 14, 2015


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